Will You?

[W Sibs]

If your dog has a very very rare disease will you donate your dog's body to science? The specialist always ask me if I would consider donating Charlie's body to science after he passes away.

A part of me says yes and the other part of me says no. Logically I will say yes, because then I will get all the answers on why he is like this and if he could help other dogs, then that will be awesome. The emotional side of me will say no... the thought of my little guy getting cut up and everything, just damn near kills me.

I take Charlie for xrays every 6 weeks (his next appointment is tomorrow). Just to see if the condition as spread and see how fast it is spreading. Last xray showed that it has spread to his right hip and upper leg now. They are very amazed that he is up and about walking, and is a happy little fella (for people who doesn't know.. Charlie has a rare disease called Bone Vanishing Disease). I know in my gut that tomorrow they are going to say it's spread more.

[Scarlet]

I would.

But then I would also leave my body, or my pets, to science if I had something rare where research was needed.

My family know I'm happy for anything to be used after I die - if it's not all worn out by then.

I think it is a very personal decision and you need to be comfortable with it regardless of what others say.

[becandcharch]

So sorry to hear about Charlie. It sounds like he is being a little trouper.

Its a hard call but I think I would. If I knew that I could help someone else to not go through what I/my dog was then probably yes.

I say probably because its easier to say when Im not going through it.

Dont feel bad if your not ok with it

[Katdogs]

Yes.

My cat survived the Orijen poisoning and luckily has recovered almost completely from tetraplegia (and other associated neurological disorders). She was one of the worst affected that has recovered completely.

I will keep in contact with Georgina at SASH and when Rocky's time comes, even if she lives a full life of another 15 years or so, I intend to offer her body for study. It may help other cats (or possibly people with MS).

ETA Glad to hear Charlie is being so happy in spite of it all. He's living his life as fully as possible - an inspiration!

Edited May 3, 2010 by Katdogs

[W Sibs]

Yes.

My cat survived the Orijen poisoning and luckily has recovered almost completely from tetraplegia (and other associated neurological disorders). She was one of the worst affected that has recovered completely.

I will keep in contact with Georgina at SASH and when Rocky's time comes, even if she lives a full life of another 15 years or so, I intend to offer her body for study.

Georgina is my specialist too with Charlie. Although, what he has is not neurological. All the other specialist at sash all have their hands in helping Charlie though.

[Faolmor]

That's a really interesting question, Charles. I hope you get some good responses

I would be so torn. Like you, I would want my dog to be a benefit to science and to other dogs and owners. But the thought of it... Hard to get over. I know once they have passed, their doggy souls move on. But that was the body you snuggled, the hair you stroked.

I like to think I would be brave enough. But I couldn't guarantee it.

Great topic.

[NaShAd]

Yes, I would.

[labsrule]

I personally couldn't do it.

[poodlefan]

If other dogs could benefit from my dogs body then yes, I probably would.

However, I'd want the body cremated and the ashes back afterwards.

ETA: I"m sorry to hear its spreading CW.

Edited May 3, 2010 by poodlefan

[W Sibs]

If other dogs could benefit from my dogs body then yes, I probably would.

However, I'd want the body cremated and the ashes back afterwards.

Hmm... never thought about this point.

[Little Gifts]

I feel like such a hypocrite. I would let science take anything from my own body that they can use because when I'm dead I figure I wont care where or what happens to my bits. But my animals? OMG I don't think I could! I know where they are all buried and even after many years knowing that still gives me comfort. I visit and talk to them still and take the new dogs with me. Likewise I couldn't cremate any of them - I'm a dust to dust girl. Of course none have had a rare diseases - something like that would obviously make a difference.

Charles W I think leaving him afte rhe is gone from this life to science would be a very noble and respectful legacy for your boy.

[Esky the husky]

I would do it, if after the research is done they could give me back the ashes of my angel..

Poor Charlie

[WreckitWhippet]

Tough call, I think I would too.

[Lab_Rat]

I agree SBT123, a very tough call.

I like puppysniffer wouldnt hesitate to donate my own body to science, but my first reaction to the question of donating my dogs body was no way!!

Poodlefans idea however of a cremation afterwards so you still have a part of your beloved pet is a good one, one that I hadnt thught of

It sure is a very personal thing, something I would be changing my mind about quite often I think.

Rat

[mita]

I did. Our nearly 23 yr old small mixed breed dog....originally a rescue as a puppy...was a patient at a university vet clinic in her last couple of years.

Named 'Grandma', by that stage (she'd dropped her name 'Tessa' at 13 yrs).

When she died, the university asked, respectfully, could they perform an autopsy for research study purposes as it was rare for them to see such an elderly dog. Certain organs & samples would be retained. We agreed.

Her ashes were returned to us, in a very nice container. With a lovely letter of thanks from the university.

Meanwhile, 'Grandma's' story & pic were written up in the campus newsletter because the staff came to love her...& she, them.

'Gran' would have been delighted to know that her 'friends' at the university would continue to learn something important about dogs, thanks to her.

Edited May 3, 2010 by mita

[W Sibs]

I did. Our nearly 23 yr old small mixed breed dog....originally a rescue as a puppy...was a patient at a university vet clinic in her last couple of years.

Named 'Grandma', by that stage (she'd dropped her name 'Tessa' at 13 yrs).

When she died, the university asked, respectfully, could they perform an autopsy for research study purposes as it was rare for them to see such an elderly dog. We agreed.

Her ashes were returned to us, in a very nice container. With a lovely letter of thanks from the university.

Meanwhile, 'Grandma's' story & pic were written up in the campus newsletter because the staff came to love her...& she, them.

Wow.. 23 years old! That is so nice mita.

Did they get the answers they needed on why she/how she lived that long?

Knowing that they will return the body is some small comfort.

[mita]

Did they get the answers they needed on why she/how she lived that long?

Knowing that they will return the body is some small comfort.

Little Gran's ashes are buried under our mango tree. That she'd hide behind, when bath time was on.

Science keeps looking for information & that's what they would have got from Gran. Also, there would be samples for ongoing teaching purposes.

By the way, I'd agree to that....had it been myself. I see it as a last gift. A gift to advance knowledge which will help others.

When our dad died of a rare form of cancer, the doctors, respectfully, made a similar request. My brother was horrified, but I knew my dad's thinking would be the same as mine, on this matter. So we talked it thro'....& he agreed, too.

But, to each their own. Others might not see it the same way.

Edited May 3, 2010 by mita

[Red Fox]

Thats a hard question to answer! To be honest I would probably allow an autopsy but would likely draw the line at donating the body... Then again if the diseaase was that rare I dont know.... I suppose it's not something that you can answer until you have been there.

I am a little funny about organ donation too. Dont get me wrong - I beleive that it's a very good thing, but it kind of irks me to bury somebody without their heart

[poodlefan]

Knowing that they will return the body is some small comfort.

I'd be wanting that made explicit. It wouldnt' worry me paying for the cremation but I'd want Pets at Peace to be able to pick the body up OK.

[mita]

Knowing that they will return the body is some small comfort.

I'd be wanting that made explicit. It wouldnt' worry me paying for the cremation but I'd want Pets at Peace to be able to pick the body up OK.

I was fortunate that it was my own university where I knew their ethics & kindness well. I trusted them totally.

It also happened that the staff loved 'Grandma', who was a great favourite.